Oct 255 min read

Halsey Letter To God (1974) Meaning and Review

Updated: Oct 29

A Child's Plea: Halsey's "Letter to God (1974)"

"Letter to God (1974)" is an exploration of childhood longing and the complexities of familial love. Halsey's raw vocals, accompanied by a melancholic piano melody, create an intimate atmosphere that draws the listener into their introspective journey. The song's power lies in its simplicity, with the acapella moments amplifying the vulnerability and emotional depth of the lyrics.

Inspired by Cher and Childhood Experiences

Inspired by Cher's "Dark Lady," Halsey crafts a narrative that touches on themes of mortality, jealousy, and the yearning for affection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a child grappling with difficult emotions, seeking solace and understanding from a higher power. The imagery of a deceased deer, a childhood friend battling leukemia, and the desire to be sick to garner parental love is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.

Raw Emotion and Relatability

Halsey's ability to tap into the raw emotions of childhood is remarkable. The chorus, with its repeated plea to God, is particularly impactful, revealing a child's desperation for love and acceptance. The song's strength lies in its honesty and relatability, capturing the universal experience of navigating complex family dynamics and the search for belonging.

A Standout Track on "The Great Impersonator"

"Letter to God (1974)" is a standout track on "The Great Impersonator," showcasing Halsey's growth as a songwriter and vocalist. The song's emotional depth and haunting melodies linger long after the final notes fade, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. It's a testament to Halsey's artistry and their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

A Lasting Impression

In conclusion, "Letter to God (1974)" is a powerful and moving piece of music that invites listeners to reflect on their own childhood experiences and the complexities of love and loss. Halsey's vulnerability and artistry shine through, making this a truly unforgettable track.

Listen to Halsey Letter To God (1974)

Halsey Letter To God (1974) Lyrics Meaning Explained

The meaning of "Letter to God (1974)" by Halsey is a poignant exploration of childhood vulnerability and the complexities of familial love. Through raw vocals and a melancholic piano melody, Halsey paints a vivid picture of a child grappling with feelings of neglect, jealousy, and a desperate yearning for affection. The lyrics delve into the child's inner world, revealing their attempts to make sense of difficult emotions and their search for solace and understanding. Inspired by Cher's "Dark Lady," the song captures the universal experience of navigating challenging family dynamics and the profound impact these early experiences can have on our lives.

A Fly-on-the-Wall Intro

The intro to "Letter to God (1974)" feels like a fly-on-the-wall moment in the recording studio, with Halsey potentially discussing the track with the producer ("Did you like how that sounded? Did you [?] that [?] or was that a [?] one? Oh-oh"). This adds a layer of authenticity, drawing the listener into a seemingly private moment of vulnerability.

Childhood Dread and a Deceased Deer

The first verse immediately establishes a sense of childhood dread with the lines, "I don't wanna go to grandma's, so I'm quiet on the drive." This suggests an underlying tension within the family dynamic, with the child's silence acting as a defense mechanism. The encounter with a deceased deer ("I saw a deer that must've gotten hit, it made me start to cry") evokes a strong emotional response, perhaps symbolizing the child's sensitivity to suffering and an early awareness of mortality, potentially amplified by the turmoil at home. The child then projects their own family experiences onto the deer, questioning if these struggles are universal: "Did he have a mom and dad and do they argue just like mine? Did he have a little brother that annoyed him all the time? Did he wanna be a grown up?" This highlights their search for understanding and a longing for escape.

Longing for Love and Acceptance

This questioning about the deer continues in the second verse ("Did he wanna be grown up? Were there trees he liked to climb?"), further emphasizing the child's fixation on this event and their yearning for the freedom symbolized by climbing trees. The introduction of a classmate with leukemia ("There's a boy I went to school with who had leukemia at five. Now his parents give him everything, they never yell or fight...") reveals the child's perception of this situation and the jealousy they feel towards the attention and affection given to their sick friend. This underscores a deep longing for unconditional love and acceptance, even at the cost of hardship. The verse concludes with an honest confession, "When I was little, I was jealous, and I'd say a prayer at night. Well, I'd say...", setting the stage for the emotional outpouring of the chorus.

A Desperate Plea

The chorus of "Letter to God (1974)" is the heart of the song. "Please, God, I wanna be sick. I don't wanna hurt so get it over with quick. Please, God, I wanna be loved. I don't wanna be somebody that they wanna get rid of," is a desperate plea for love and attention, expressing a desire to be sick in the belief that it will bring the affection they crave. This is a poignant reflection of the child's emotional state and the turmoil they are experiencing. The fear of being unwanted ("somebody they wanna get rid of") speaks volumes about their insecurity and fear of abandonment.

Halsey Letter To God (1974) Lyrics

[Intro]

Did you like how that sounded?

Did you [?] that [?] or was that a [?] one?

Oh-oh

[Verse 1]

I don't wanna go to grandma's, so I'm quiet on the drive

I saw a deer that must've gotten hit, it made me start to cry

Did he have a mom and dad and do they argue just like mine?

Did he have a little brother that annoyed him all the time?

Did he wanna be a grown up?

[Interlude]

You're gonna need to come in on that first part

Come in while she's singing

Okay

Yeah

[Verse 2]

Did he wanna be grown up?

Were there trees he liked to climb?

Thеre's a boy I went to school with who had leukеmia at five

Now his parents give him everything, they never yell or fight

They never make him cut his hair because they're happy he survived

He didn't have to clean his room, it was enough to be alive

When I was little, I was jealous, and I'd say a prayer at night

Well, I'd say

[Chorus]

Please, God, I wanna be sick

I don't wanna hurt so get it over with quick

Please, God, I wanna be loved

I don't wanna be somebody that they wanna get rid of